Chobani to launch paper cups for yogurt alternatives
With this launch, Chobani is calling for greater paper recycling capabilities in the United States.
Chobani is moving its oat-based yogurt alternative into a paper-based cup.
Chobani LLC, New York, said it is taking an important step toward a more sustainable future, announcing the planned launch of a paper cup for its yogurt alternatives. The paper cup marks a milestone in the company’s efforts to reduce plastic use and put more sustainable packaging on shelves across America.
Chobani’s recent new product innovations — “oatmilk,” cold brew coffee and coffee creamers — already come in paper-based packaging that is recyclable. After two years of development, the company said it is also moving its oat-based yogurt alternative into a paper-based cup. It also will continue to explore more sustainable packaging across its portfolio that will use less plastic and more paper.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our planet,” said Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya. “People have been asking for a paper cup, and we welcome this challenge to start reducing our plastic use and to spark a conversation about how we can drive change together.”
Chobani’s paper cup is 80% paperboard, made from responsibly sourced and renewable material. The cup has a thin plastic lining to maintain the quality of the product.
"While this paper cup is a step in the right direction, it’s just the beginning," said Ulukaya.
The cup is made of recyclable materials, but Chobani said it is realistic about the complexities of American’s recycling system, which is fragmented across more than 10,000 municipal-run recycling centers, each with unique rules (https://consumerbrandsassociation.org/sustainability/recycling-policy-platform/).
Innovative packaging often challenges the current recycling capabilities across the United States. As part of its work in bringing this cup to market, Chobani said it will continue to collaborate with partners, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and policymakers to advocate for improvements that expand the recycling infrastructure in this country.
Fans will start finding Chobani’s paper cup in the yogurt aisle at the end of this year. It will begin with single-serve Chobani Oat Blend; Chobani said it will continue to invest in sustainable packaging initiatives across its product portfolio.
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